LAST WILL & TESTAMENT OF MARY TAVERNER
(10 Aug 1686 - Nov 1758)

In the Name of God Amen. I Mary Taverner of the Town and County of Pool Spinster, being in health of Body and of perfect mind, memory and understanding, thanks be therefore rendred to Almight God, nevertheless considering the uncertainty of time, and the certainty of mortality, do make and ordaine this my last Will and Testament - that is to say, principally and first of all, I recommend my Soule into the hands of God who gave it, and my Body to the Dust, and as touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to endow me, after my debts and funeral expences are paid and discharged, I give, devize and dispose of the same in manner and for following (that is to say) -

First of all I give and bequeath unto my loving Brother Jacob Taverner the sum of forty pounds of lawfull money of Great Brittaine, to be paid to him by my Executrix hereinafter mentioned.

Also I give and bequeath unto my loving Cousin Philip Williams the Son of my Brother Abraham Williams the sum of Five pounds of like lawfull money to be paid him by my Executrix

Also I give and bequeath unto my loving Cousin Jacob Williams the son of my said Brother Abraham Williams the sum of Five pounds of like lawfull money to be paid him by my Executrix

All the rest and residue of my Goods, Chattells, Credits and personal Estate consisting in money, plate, Gold rings, Household Goods, Wearing Apparel, Linnin or in any other thing or things to me belonging in this World, I give, devize and bequeath unto my loving Sister Emma Williams, whom I do hereby make and ordain my whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all other wills by me made and confirming this to stand and be taken as and for my Last Will and Testament

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seale the twenty nineth day of December in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and forty seven.

The mark of Mary Taverner [she signed her full name]

Signed sealed published and declared by me the said Testator in the presence of those whose names are underwritten who subscribed their names in my presence and at my request

Jere. Colborne
Jane Colborne
Jane Colborne junior

Proved by Emma Williams her sister and sold Executrix - 4 December 1758

Dorset History Centre Ref.: C/P/W 25
Transcribed by Kim Parker